Dubai’s new green licence gives sustainability firms a head start in growing their businesses.
Dubai: Expo City Dubai has issued the UAE’s first Expo Green Licences to six companies, creating a new pathway for sustainability-focused businesses to establish operations and pilot climate-related solutions in the emirate.
The first recipients of the licence include companies operating in areas such as climate technology, electronic waste management, the circular economy, carbon verification, carbon standards and food rescue.
The licence forms part of Expo City Dubai’s Green Innovation District, a joint initiative with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism aimed at attracting businesses focused on environmental innovation, clean technologies and circular economy solutions.
Support package worth more than Dh400,000
The Expo Green Licence provides eligible companies with a support package valued at over Dh400,000. The benefits include reduced business setup costs, access to sustainability services, promotional assistance, networking opportunities and channels for collaboration.
Licence holders will also have the opportunity to participate in domestic and international business missions organised through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. They will also gain access to collaboration opportunities with MAJRA, the UAE’s national platform supporting sustainability-focused businesses and initiatives.
Expo City said the licence is available to businesses across different sectors, sizes and stages of development, as long as they can demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials through recognised certifications, proven track records or an evidence-based assessment process.
Six firms make up first cohort
The first group of licence recipients includes AirJoule, a climate tech firm specialising in atmospheric water harvesting solutions, and Dubai-based WAT (We Are Tech), which helps organisations securely dispose of, recycle, refurbish and repurpose electronic and IT equipment while safeguarding sensitive data.
Polygreen, a global circular economy company specialising in environmental solutions, recycling, reuse and waste management, was also among the first recipients of the licence.
The initial cohort also includes Carbon Assurance, Carbon Standard and RBT Collective, all of which have existing connections with Expo City Dubai. RBT Collective is a long-term partner of Terrazo, Expo City’s food rescue initiative.
“We are proud to advance the District’s mission as we grant the first green licences — entrusted to these pioneering organisations that now form part of a collaborative, solutions-driven ecosystem that will contribute to the UAE’s net zero and economic diversification ambitions, helping to create a brighter future for generations to come,” said Reem Al Hashimy, CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority.
The Green Innovation District combines Expo City’s sustainable infrastructure and testing facilities with dedicated spaces for light manufacturing, research and development, enabling companies to develop and scale environmental solutions.
The initiative is also designed to help companies develop and implement climate-focused, circular economy and clean technology solutions with support from industry partners and sustainability experts.
Access for smaller firms
The licence offers two qualification pathways. Established companies with recognised ESG ratings or equivalent certifications from accredited organisations can qualify through a direct approval process.
Smaller and emerging businesses can undergo assessment through Expo City’s evidence-based evaluation framework, provided their products or services contribute to areas such as climate action, energy and water efficiency, sustainability solutions or the circular economy.
“As we work to advance the UAE’s long-term economic and climate ambitions, the Expo Green Licence is a powerful tool to encourage innovation and support green business growth,” said Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Chairman of the UAE Circular Economy Council.
“The companies receiving their licence today are frontrunners in the ongoing evolution of the Green Innovation District, and we look forward to welcoming more innovative organisations that will drive the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to diversify the national economy, accelerate the transition to clean energy sources, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in sustainability and environmental innovation,” he added.
IP support for green businesses
Expo Green Licence holders will also be invited to join the Green Majlis, an expert forum focused on leadership discussions and advancing practical solutions in sustainability.
They will further benefit from priority access to intellectual property support through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s planned on-site Green IP office. Once operational, the office is expected to help safeguard sustainable innovations, accelerate patent applications, promote technology localisation and support the growth of green and circular economy projects.
